6 Reasons Why Sharing Makeup Is a Big No-No
Sharing is caring in most cases, but it's not okay when it comes to sharing makeup. When you get ready with your friends, there's always that one person who asks if they can borrow a highly coveted beauty product someone else pulls out. Makeup sharing can even lead to very serious conditions, even though it may seem harmless at the time.
What’s worse than sharing makeup with friends is sharing makeup testers in stores. It is equivalent to sharing makeup with dozens of strangers. Thus, you should always “test out” your makeup on the back of your hand, not your face or lips.
Not convinced you shouldn't be sharing makeup tools and makeup products with your friends—or anyone else for that matter? Here are seven scary things that could happen when you share makeup products.
Why Sharing Makeup Is a Strict No-No
#1 It Can Worsen Your Acne
Using another person's makeup products or sharing makeup that you own could spread acne-causing germs.
Essentially, your face is coming into contact with someone else's pimples and germs. There’s no way this can be good for our skin.
#2 Sharing Makeup Brushes Can Infect Pots of Makeup
If you dip infected brushes or sponges into your potted makeup, you transfer germs to the entire container.
Therefore, sharing makeup brushes and sponges is enough to spread an infection—you don't even have to share the makeup jars.
#3 Cold Sores? No, Thank You!
A lip balm or lipstick can carry a variety of germs, including viruses. If you want to avoid contracting cold sores, don't share lipsticks or tints with others.
Although your girlfriend might not appear to show any signs of irritation, they could still be infected with the virus that causes them.
#4 Possible Eye Infections
Sharing eye makeup can be dangerous for the whole facial skin, but the eyes are the most at risk. The skin around the eyes is thin and highly sensitive, making them prone to infection.
Infections like pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, are highly contagious. Often, people don't realize they're developing it and can even spread it by sharing eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, or concealer wand. Eye cosmetics can also transfer infections such as warts, styes, and eyelash lice.
A person who wears contact lenses is particularly susceptible to infections since bacteria can accumulate behind the lens.
#5 Sharing Makeup Can Lead To Staph Infections
Some people may not be susceptible to specific infectious bacteria by sharing makeup, but that does not mean that you are not. Many infectious diseases, like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, can be contracted from shared makeup. Developing a bacterial infection is only a matter of a few right conditions and the right bacteria grouping.
#6 Your Friend’s Cosmetics May Not Be Clean
It may be the case that you only use clean brushes and applicators to apply your creamy, potted products, but your friend or colleague may not. Some people even apply makeup with their hands, which are a major carrier of bacteria and can contaminate the makeup.
Hygiene Tips to Avoid Makeup Baddies
While saying no to sharing makeup is the first step to avoiding any infections, it’s nearly not enough to avoid all makeup-induced skin problems like rashes, irritation, and breakouts. Stop your makeup from turning into a breeding ground for bacteria by following the tips below.
Clean Your Hands before Applying Makeup
Many people tend to prefer using their fingers to apply and blend makeup, especially concealer. But we don't recommend it. You can easily transfer bacteria and germs from your hands to your face.
It is particularly important to be careful when using beauty products in jars and other containers. Using your fingers to scoop up the cream introduces new bacteria into the container.
If you must use your hands, thoroughly cleanse them with soap for at least 30 seconds, then scoop out enough of the product to prevent subsequent dips or touches.
Store in a Clean and Dry Place
Ensure that all your makeup products and tools are stored in a dry and clean environment. Don't put it on the bathroom shelf, as moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and reduces the shelf life of your makeup. Keeping your makeup at room temperature is the best option.
Clean Tools Are Always a Yay
Washing makeup brushes and sponges is crucial to keeping them clean, and it doesn't take much effort - a simple wash with soapy water or a dip in micellar water is sufficient.
Use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect lipstick, eyeliner, and eyeshadow palette tips and surfaces between uses. Additionally, you can use it for cleaning tweezers and eyelash curlers as well.
Don’t Double-Dip Your Products
Whether you're using mascara, liquid lipstick, or eyeliner, you should take enough product on the applicator at one time so you don't have to dip the applicator again. This way, there will be less risk of bacteria getting into the tube from your skin.
Check on the Expiry Date of Makeup Products
All makeup kits and products have an expiration date. Certain products have a longer shelf life, while others (eye makeup) are usable for shorter periods of time. Make sure you keep track of the expiry dates of the products and replace the expired ones with new ones when necessary.
Don’t Sneeze on Open Products
Although COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, this is something that should be practiced regardless of whether there is a current pandemic. You are spreading germs and bacteria to open makeup containers when you sneeze on them.
To solve this problem, either sneeze into your elbow or walk out of the room, so your products do not become contaminated.
The Takeaway
It may seem like you're doing your friend a favor by sharing your favorite makeup item with her, but in reality, you're doing more harm than good.
Beware of the six woes of makeup sharing given above, and maintain good makeup hygiene by following our suggested tips.
Have any questions regarding makeup hygiene? Don’t hesitate to share them with us!
